Brief Sunday Comparison: Romeo Gigli Vs Nicholas Kirkwood

Victoria’s Secret catwalk show that took place in New York on Wednesday evening, was, according to the press, one of the best ever staged by the lingerie brand. Yet what interested me, rather than the fancy lingerie, was the footwear by Nicholas Kirkwood, designed taking inspiration from six different themes, including “Circus”, “Silver Screen” and “Dangerous Liaisons”.

The shoes were typical Kirkwood – at times covered in crystals or glitter, or featuring his trademark towering platforms. Among the shoes and sandals featured in the show, there were also three different models in green shades that called to mind a pair of shoes designed in 1990 by Romeo Gigli (Spring/Summer collection).

The high heeled sandals, part of Kirkwood's interpretation of the “Angels in Bloom” theme, featured a vine-like strap that went up the calves. Gigli designed instead a flat shoe featuring a decorative rose with a stem that went up the calf. So, you may argue that, even though the shoes are different, they incorporate a similar decorative motif.

Kirkwood's shoes won't be on sale as they were exclusively designed for the catwalk show, even though they can be made to order through Kirkwood's own shops. There may be another option for shoe addicts, though: if you've very lucky, you may be able to find in some vintage shop the original shoes by Romeo Gigli. Mind you, you would have to be extremely lucky to do so, but keeping your eyes open when visiting vintage shops and markets may be a good idea.